June is here, and with it, the warmer weather has finally arrived! It’s time to spend your free hours outside, soaking up the sun and fresh air. While you’re out there, give your yard a little love with our top do’s and don’ts of yard care.

Do: Plant hot weather vegetables

Use the hot summer weather to your advantage and grow some plants that will thrive in the heat and sunshine.

• Tomatoes
• Peppers
• Melons
• Squash

Don’t: Plant cool-season vegetables

There is a short window after the snow melts that cool-season vegetables will thrive before the heat gets to be too much for them. Usually, veggies like lettuce, carrots, peas, and radishes all do better in the early spring. As the weather begins to warm, they will quickly bolt, meaning that they will start using their energy to bloom and produce seeds, making their leaves and edible parts bitter.

Do: Water wisely and deeply

The early morning or late afternoon, when you’ll lose the least amount to evaporation, is the best time to water. Aim for the base of the plant to further reduce evaporation, and water your plants deeply and slowly.

Don’t: Waste water

While using a sprinkler timer is a great way to make sure your lawn and garden get watered on a regular basis, there are times that your plants simply won’t need the water. Let your plants tell you when they need a drink and only water then they are newly planted or have wilting or dropping leaves.

Don’t: Let your garden or yard go

In the summer, things in your garden can change quickly. Pests, drought, wet soil or disease can all have a terrible effect on your plants in a matter of days. Check on your garden regularly, especially after a heavy rain or a long dry spell. Prune any plants that seem to be taking over and when in doubt, rip it out.